Have a Go - Festival of Learning in the East Riding

September is ‘Have a Go’ month for adult learning courses in the East Riding.

It is all part of the Festival of Learning, led by the Learning and Work Institute, which invites organisations and communities to take part in adult learning activities to showcase the wide range of opportunities and resources available to adults hoping to continue or resume their education. The festival recognises the inspiring achievements of adult learners nationwide.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s employment education and skills team has been working closely with the Festival of Learning to spread the word and right now, try courses are available to view and book online. Course range from arts, crafts and creative courses, to health, wellbeing and courses that can lead to a qualification.

While it is easy to stick to familiar interests and subjects, the council is asking East Riding residents to challenge themselves and try something out of their comfort zone and something completely new.

Try courses on offer this September include block printing, soft furnishings, conversational Spanish, costume making for events and parties, counselling, creative writing, crochet, dressmaking, felt flowers, knitting, mental health awareness, mindfulness, online shopping, patchwork and quilting, photography, pottery, self esteem and confidence building, supporting teaching, tablets, smartphones and using a computer.

Also on offer during September are brand new taste and test courses. These courses are not yet available as main programmes of learning, so it's an opportunity for future learners to come along, say what they think and help to shape the future of adult learning courses.

Sara Arnold, employment education and skills group manager, said: “You can learn a lot in two hours, which is why The Festival of Learning  is a great way to introduce new subjects and interests. If you find that you could benefit from a full course, then our tutors will tell you more about the main programme of learning during the session. On a try course residents can come into a centre, enjoy a free two hours course of their choice and get an idea of what does on in a classroom, what adult learning is like and meet our fantastic tutors. There's no pressure to commit and we hope that local residents find something that they really enjoy."

Have a go month takes place in September before the start of the autumn term and when residents can sign up to a main programme of learning. Booking is essential, so to find out more and to sign up to a try course please visit www.eastriding.gov.uk/learn or call/visit the nearest adult learning centre.